March 2023 Newsletter
Here it is …
Mid Anglia Group, Richard III Society
Archive for the category “visits”
Orford Castle (again)
Image: English Heritage
We now have a revised date for our visit to Henry II’s castle by the coast – his response to the Bigod construction at Framlingham. The Group will start our 2023 programme by going on the morning of Saturday 18th February, meeting at Melton station. Thanks to Ben.
Planning for 2023
This month, we shall hold our AGM online again. Among the proposed visits are:
1) Orford Castle, sadly delayed this year by the castle re-opening late after construction work.
2) Norwich Carmelite Friary, to comemmorate Lady Eleanor Talbot, Richard’s sister-in-law,
3) Waltham Abbey, to remember Harold II who is likely to be buried there.
A little news
Orford Castle will re-open on 5th November and we shall visit it either that weekend, 19th/ 20th or 26th/ 27th. Thankyou in advance to Ben and please remember your English Heritage passes if you are a member.
Here is an image from the entrance to St. Lawrence’s Church.
Two Essex visits during summer
Now that we have been to the 1002nd anniversary of Cnut opening St. Edmund’s shrine (report to follow!), we are planning ahead.
In July, on 16th or 30th, we will be in Maldon. This visit may include the Thomas Plume Library, the Moot Hall (left), the Maeldune Heritage Centre and the Rose and Crown.
Our September visit, on the second weekend, will be to Coggeshall, including Paycocke’s House, Grange Barn (left) and St. Nicholas’ Chapel, the gatehouse to Coggeshall Abbey.
There will be more news on these events soon.
Abbey … 1002
Panorama of the ruins of the abbey church, with the new Millennium Tower of St Edmundsbury Cathedral in the background.
St. Edmund, the King of East Anglia who was killed by Vikings in 869, was brought from Hoxne to the town of Beodricsworth in 903. In 1020, Cnut, possibly descended from Edmund’s assailants, founded a Benedictine abbey for his remains such that both the structure and the town took his name. It proved popular with pilgrims and the Abbey church was added a century or so later. The Abbey, which owned most of West Suffolk, was destroyed by rioters in 1327 but the gatehouse survived and the rest was rebuilt. It was dissolved in 1539 but the ruins remain as a feature of Abbey Gardens.
Now for the (slightly delayed) millennium celebrations: These will take place by the Cathedral, St. James’ Church as it was until the 1920s, on the 14th and 15th of May, with an address by Dr. Rowan Williams and workshops on Benedictine life during the Saturday afternoon and evening. The Sunday programme features worship and a procession of real Benedictines.
The Mid-Anglia Group will be in attendance but members and others will need to buy a £10 weekend pass.
BBC Sunday Worship from St. Mary-le-Tower
Last week, this programme featured Choral Matins from St. Mary-le-Tower in Ipswich, which the Group has visited at least twice …
December 2021 Newsletter
Here it is. Please read the sign on the door carefully!
Mid Anglia Group, Richard III Society 